Palestinians gather at Al-Aqsa to mourn New Zealand victims

March 15, 2019 2:41 P.M. (Updated: March 17, 2019 11:47 A.M.)

JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Thousands of Palestinian worshipers performed prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem, mourning the 49 victims in the New Zealand mosque shootings, on Friday.

A gunman opened fire in two mosques in Christchurch City, in New Zealand, during Friday prayers, killing 49 people and injuring at least 20 others.

New Zealand police identified the attacker as a 28-year-old Australian-born man. He has been arrested and charged with murder.

In addition, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the gunman as "an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist."

Thousands of worshipers took to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and performed prayers following the attack as a form of solidarity.

The grand mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, condemned the attack and called it a “terror attack.”

Sheikh Hussein also condemned Israel’s recent violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and East Jerusalem.